Nižetić, Josip 

Nižetić, Josip 

August 4, 1968 – January 31, 2024

Josip Nižetić was athletic, funny, charming, incredibly kind to everyone he met and passionate about all he undertook. Whether it was soccer, working with wood, building an artful charcuterie board or spending time with his family and many friends, Josip was all-in. He died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 55.

Born and raised in Selca on the island of Brač, Croatia, Josip was the adored youngest of six siblings. He grew up swimming in the Adriatic Sea, dreaming of a career in soccer while playing for the local club. 

After high school, Josip studied Hotel Management. It was a decision that led him to an eight-year career aboard luxury cruise ships, set a standard for hospitality that graced every dinner party he ever gave, and paved the way to a new life in Canada.

It was aboard a ship that Josip first set eyes on the love of his life – Alison Clarke. She was there as the ship’s doctor, enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean during a Canadian winter. A romance blossomed. 

When Alison’s contract on the ship was up, Josip visited her in Strathmore. Soon, he’d left ship life behind and they married in January of 1998. 

Before long, their first son, Nikolas, was born. Two years later, Luka joined the family. Josip’s love for his family was limitless. To Alison he was a true partner as she pursued her medical career. Josip was home with the boys until they went to school, and was there everyday when they returned, full of stories of their day. He instilled in his sons a love for soccer, the outdoors and cured meats – especially the prosciutto Josip aged himself. 

The family cabin in Waiparous, Alberta, was Josip’s happy place. There he would build, repair, beautify, hike, kayak and stack firewood. There could never be too much firewood, either at home in Strathmore or at the cabin. His epic fires appeared before guests just as effortlessly as his charcuterie boards.

Josip leaves a gaping hole in the lives of his life partner, Alison Clarke, their two adult sons, Nikolas and Luka, his siblings, his mother-in-law, Frances Clarke, the entire Village of Selca, Croatia, and countless extended family and friends. He will be forever missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Lord of All Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. Father Cristino Bouvette officiating. 

To send condolences, please visit Josip’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.